PRAYER REQUESTS

PRAYER REQUESTS

- Peace for Shawn and I, for Kyle and Miranda and Braden and Connor, for our parents and siblings and nieces and nephews and inner circle friends watching and hurting as we go through this
- that God would keep soft our children's hearts toward Him through all the emotions of this hard journey
- strength and stamina; physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually
- that the cancer shrinks to gone, gone, gone!
- gentle side effects to this second round of chemo
- family unity, harmony, love, strength, joy, happiness
- anything else you feel God puts on your heart


Saturday, February 22, 2014

Sister Reflections ~Part 2

 Sister Reflections ~Part 2
Read by Kristin's Sisters Keri Jones (left) Kori Unrau (right)

Another Kristin fun fact (one which her closest friends will have a chuckle about) is that she’d always show up with her arms full!! At least 2 giant overflowing heavy bags of stuff. Stuff she may not even need in the next several hours or days even, but she couldn’t leave home without them. A scrapbook… or two, an ipad, a camera… or two! A notebook, a scarf… or two, Multiple pens and her signature sharpie… or two.  A simple trip to the mall and more recently chemo always involved at least one of these overflowing bags. We loved to give her a hard time about them and she was quick to remind us if we ever needed something she would have it covered! Shawn and the kids all developed some pretty amazing muscles carting her STUFF around!

Kristin was a hopeless romantic! We would love to read you the NINE PAGE STORY she wrote of how she met and married the love of her life, instead, we will give you the very short version: God answered her prayer and sent Shawn!
Kristin was very strong in her faith from a very young age.  As she got older she prayed and asked God for someone stronger than her in spiritual and every day life. Over the years as Shawn and Kristin grew as a couple, so did their faith. God was the firm foundation of their family, and each of their children were lovingly dedicated to the Lord. They were taught from a young age to be strong in the Lord, Trust in Jesus, and Never lose their faith.  Kristin was not ashamed of the gospel, and she instilled it in her children.  Kristin and Shawn had no idea how their faith would be tested along the way but they never once faltered. Many times over the years they trusted, believed and thanked God for His many blessings.  It wasn’t all ‘Rainbows and Butterflies’ (as Kristin would say) but they never lost sight of their creator and that He had a plan for their lives. 

When Kristin was diagnosed with cancer on October 29, 2012, she told us she did not want her life to be a testimony of her faith because she did not feel qualified. Every day of her 15 month battle, God covered her with His Grace and peace and carried her. God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called. He had already begun working in her as a young girl preparing her for this road ahead.

A passage Kristin used as a guide is Matthew 5:14-16. It says:

‘You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and keep it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand and it gives light to the entire house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deed and praise your Father in Heaven’.

Kristin's children, husband, family, and some friends watched her as she processed the news of her diagnosis.  There were many tough days and she didn’t give up hope. She was not in denial about what was to come, but she simply chose to lean on her faith to ground her and trusted that her heavenly father would take care of the rest. Kristin shone her light for all of us.  She showed us that there is hope in helplessness.  There is joy in sorrow. There is love and patience and kindness that lights up the dark.  Kristin's grace was a gift to her children and she did her best to protect them.  She did what she knew best, and surrounded herself with everyone and everything that mattered to her. She was an example to her kids that we must let our light shine in all circumstances.

Kristin blogged her journey and was true to her faith and belief that God would take care of her family all the time.  She was often overwhelmed (in a good way) with silver linings and Gods blessings. Unexpected groceries dropped off when they were needed most….  Offers of help for the kids at just the right time…  15 months of Meals delivered when she couldn’t even stand… Doctors, nurses, receptionists, and pharmacists always going that extra mile… all on her behalf.  Kristin was cared for by friends, family, and people that didn’t even know her!  Her ability to make and sustain relationships carried her when she needed it the most.  

A friend gave us a verse to share with you, and we think it summarizes Kristin’s life well. 
‘Blessed is the woman who perseveres under trial,
Because when she has stood the test, she will receive the
Crown of life that God has promised to those who love him’
~James 1:12
  
The crown of life is like the victory wreathe given to winning athletes.  Gods crown of life is not glory and honor here on earth, but the reward of Eternal Life – living with God forever: HEAVEN.  The way to be in God’s winners circle is by loving Him and staying faithful even under pressure. 
  
Kristin truly enjoyed bible verses, inspiring quotes, and pictures to motivate her when the going got tough. She had them written on plaques and displayed around her house.  She hared many of these on her blog and facebook as well as in texts and emails. She shared this little quote by Nancy Leigh deMoss about a month ago and it has very special meaning to us today. She says…


“You will never be able to fully fathom what God is doing in your life. You cannot possibly see the end of the outcome of each situation. Not yet anyway. But you can be sure that HE knows what HE is doing. He is God and He is working –purposefully, skilfully, lovingly. And one day when you look back on your journey from Heaven’s perspective, you will see HIS hand in all those inexplicable circumstances, and you will say with WONDER and WORSHIP: 
"You have done all things Well”.
  
We love you Kris! 

Sister Reflections ~ Part 1


Sister Reflections ~Part 1
Read by Kristin's Sisters Keri Jones (left) Kori Unrau (right)

Kristin is the creative writer and editor in our family… She’s also our public speaker, our picture taker, memory keeper, scrapbook maker, handbag wearer, party planner, card writer, prayer sayer, Deal finder, gift giver, tea totler, avid learner, book reviewer, technology learner, faith sharer and the list goes on!
… It’s hard to summarize 42 years into one short tribute, but we will do our best!

Kristin was the first child to our parents Jerry & Evelyn.  She was a perfect baby, an adorable toddler, and she became ‘Krissy’ to those that loved her most!  She had flaming red hair and perfect little curls that became her trademark and something she became SO proud of. It set her apart from the rest of us average people, and with the red hair came a HUGE personality!  She quickly wrapped everyone around her little finger, and there wasn’t a stranger that looked away without giving her a smile. She started talking early and had the gift of gab! She would talk to anyone that would listen… Dad remembers walking with her down Montrose street when she was just a little girl, she looked up at a stranger with a great big smile and told him ‘Jesus loves you!’

Kristin was a very happy little girl and loved playing with her baby dolls, and later with her real live baby dolls, her sisters.  She was proud to show us off, but more than once tried to send us back to wherever we came from! Although she loved her baby dolls, they soon were replaced with books!  Her love for books & learning and reading & writing started at a very early age and followed her into her teen years and high school. 

Some activities Kristin enjoyed during her school years were playing the organ, and the saxophone.  She loved music but playing the organ wasn’t cool, and after switching from MEI to Abby Sr she gave up the saxophone too.  I’m pretty sure her saxophone is somewhere in her house along with every other collectible or piece of memorabilia from her childhood! Kristin accomplished SO many things and quite literally has a tangible reminder of each and every accomplishment.  It seemed natural that she would one day become a scrapbooker since she couldn’t even throw out a piece of paper with a pencil mark on it. Everything she had represented something important to her and she could tell you the meaning behind every single item in her home!

Along with music, managing the senior boys basketball team, and working through high school, Kristin had the opportunity to travel to Japan on an exchange program.  I remember being so nervous that she was going ALL THE WAY to Japan on an airplane for the very first time by herself! She had a fantastic time and she was so excited to come home and tell us all about her adventure! She met new Japanese friends and we were excited to host a Japanese student upon her return. Our student was Miwa, and she formed a fast bond with Kristin!  They spent hours together and it was a sad day when she had to leave.  Kristin made time to write letters to Miwa and send little packages in the mail.  It was always an exciting day when a letter arrived for Kristin all the way from Japan!  Miwa came back to Canada to stay with us several years later and she has stayed connected to this day. 

When the internet was invented Kristin was THRILLED to connect over email. She was the techie of our family and has always had the latest gadgets.  In her high school years she was given a little red camera that she took wherever she went! This was the birth of a new passion: Photography! Kristin had a gift of capturing everyday moments on film! You can only imagine how drastically things changed when the digital camera was invented.  She went from capturing a handful of photos to an armload and what a gift that has become to her family and friends. (And by armloads I mean dump trucks full!)
  
Over the years when a new invention came along, she had to have it! We are pretty sure that she owned Abbotsfords first iphone and it’s still put to good use today!  Kristin was also the first in our family to have a laptop, a DSLR, an ipod shuffle, and an ipad! Having all these gadgets made recovering from surgeries, chemo, radiation, and complications a tiny bit easier.  She couldn’t get up or go out so it gave her a way to stay connected. When Kristin didn’t have the energy to speak you could find her sending a quick text or forwarding a picture of her beloved monkey LaLaLuna who was always getting into trouble.
  
Kristin was a very gifted student and she was always on the honour roll. We rarely saw an assignment that didn’t have a giant red A+ on the front! Kori and I longed to have the perfect report cards like Kristin, but sadly she got all the brains in our family! Only two short weeks ago Kristin was having a rough time and asked me to talk to her to help distract her for a moment.  I asked her for a topic, but it was Kristin-style which means I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about! Instead, I decided to take the opportunity to confess to Kristin that her writing was so good, that I had ‘borrowed’ some of it back in grade eight.  I needed to write a speech for English class and it just so happened that she already had a really good one written the year before!  Of course it was perfect: it was current, already on cue cards, and most importantly within reach!  Kristin NEVER EVER threw anything out (did I mention that already?) and that was to my advantage. Unfortunately my teacher knew that I couldn’t write that well, and I was busted! All these years later Kristin had NO idea, and was shocked when I told her.  She was so happy that the teacher had recognized her writing and she was equally happy that he had failed me for plagiarism! We had a good laugh about it!  

Another story about our childhood that comes to mind is the excitement of knowing that Kristins 16th birthday was coming up and with it…. Her drivers license!  We anticipated ‘cruising’ up and down South Fraser Way with her! Grabbing some cokes from Mcdonalds! Looking for boys!  It was very short lived as she wanted nothing to do with us and viewed her license as a ticket to freedom! Anything to get away from us! On a funny note, one of the first times she drove our parents car, she forgot to put it in park.  The car rolled down the driveway, hit a planter, and came to rest across the street against the neighbour’s house!  We gave her a hard time about it, but she learned a lesson and became a very good driver! We were very happy for her when she bought her first car and she was so proud that she bought and paid for it with her very own hard earned money!
  
A highlight of high school for Kristin was cooking class!! She couldn’t wait to come home and recreate the recipes that she had made at school.  One day as we drove down the hill near our house we could hear fire trucks and we joked that Kris was probably burning down the house with her newly learned cooking skills! There were no fire trucks in our driveway, but we walked in the door to billowing smoke and inedible muffins! We shared a good laugh and were sure to tease her about it for many years to come.

After Kristin became a wife and mother, we often got phone calls around the dinner hour asking how to make this or that. Usually her questions went something like this…. ’I want to make mom’s farmer sausage bean soup, but I don’t have any beans or farmer sausage.  What can I use instead?’  We would laugh and discourage her from making that recipe and steer her towards a recipe that used the ingredients she had on hand.  Later we would find that she made the first recipe with totally different ingredients and she was so disappointed that it didn’t taste like moms!!! I don’t know that she ever found any joy in cooking or baking but she always did her best to feed her family and never gave up. 
  
Growing up, our favourite family activity was camping. For us it was all about carving sticks, roaming the campsite all day, and burning things… but for Kristin it was ALWAYS about reading and Fishing!! She was the one who was up at the crack of dawn to head out on the lake with Dad. There was often a fish rivalry between her and all of the boys and when we could hear the boat coming towards us we could tell by the look on her face who caught the most fish!  She never wanted to come in empty handed! Having said that, she hated actually TOUCHING the fish as she didn’t want to get smelly and covered in ‘Gore’. (her word, not mine!). 
  
On one of our camping adventures, all of the kids we were with climbed up a very steep mountainside.  It was almost vertical and we had nothing to grab onto; no trees, no shrubs, no tall grass, or roots….nothing.  As tomboys, Kori and I were quick to join the climb. About three feet up we noticed Kristin standing alone at the bottom and we immediately slid down to her. If we climbed the hill without her, we would be in trouble...  If we climbed the hill with her, we would not be in trouble…. She rarely if ever got in trouble!!!! The two of us encouraged her to climb with us and even stayed back with her to get her up the hill.  It never occurred to us that what goes up must come down.  That day we learned that her fear of heights was very real! Once we got her to the top there was NO amount of encouragement, bribes, or threats that would get her down. Finally we had to call on the adults to help her get down. 
  
Kristin’s love of camping followed her into her adult years and Shawn and Kristin bought their first ‘Charlie Brown’ trailer (as she liked to call it) shortly after they started their family. They quickly outgrew it and purchased a larger model which they have used many times over. Kristin loved being all cozy with her family which is a good thing because BC camping often means being trapped inside. Smores, games, reading, swimming and anything her family could do together topped her list of favorite things.

Ferndale Washington is one of the family’s favorite camping destinations and Kristin was so proud of both Braden and Connor for learning to ride their bikes without training wheels at that campsite.  Kristin loved sitting pool side with her camera in hand watching Miranda swim for hours. This past July we spent some time as a family where Kristin surprised us all by doing a ‘Cannon Below’ into the freezing cold pool. I remember her telling me that one of her favourite things to do is just float. On that same trip, Kristin spotted a teeny tiny baby bunny running across the grass and suggested that Kyle catch it for us. After he caught it, Kristin played show and tell with her new furry friend. She passed it around so everyone could have a little cuddle. When it ended up back in Kristin’s hands, she thought that it had peed on her.  She flipped it over and exclaimed, ‘EWWWW GORE’ and remained perfectly calm while everyone else burst into a fit of laughter! Turns out the little guy had a run in with a lawn mower!  This story has brought us all a ridiculous amount of laughter over the past 7 months. I guess you had to be there!
  
Camping wasn’t the only get away that Kristin enjoyed.  She developed a love for travelling early, and Shawn and Kristin enjoyed many trips together including Banff, Europe, Nova Scotia, Quebec, New York, Niagra Falls, San Fransisco, San Diego, and countless weekend get- aways to Whistler, Vancouver, and Victoria.  Kristin and Shawn loved travelling as a family and enjoyed visiting the dinosaurs in Drumheller, Mickey Mouse in Disneyland, and all the awesome animals of San Diego Zoo! Most recently, our family made some amazing memories as the 17 of us travelled to Florida for a trip of a lifetime! We spent two weeks together and it truly was the happiest place on earth! We enjoyed rides, and shows, and some VIP treatment, and we all enjoyed eating our way around the parks too!!
  
Something that some of you already know about Kristin, is how much she LOVED a party!! She could turn any boring event into a party. Julia Child once said, ‘A party without cake is just a meeting’, but Kristin actually lived it! She never showed up empty handed! And she always loved a crowd!  She never even watched the superbowl or other major sporting events but she looked forward to it because she knew there would be a party somewhere! You knew you would find Kristin wherever friends and family were gathered.
  
Kristin's love language was ‘Time spent’. And everybody knew it! She loved being with her kids, and would often pull them out of school for a ‘ditch day’ for some one-on-one time! She was so proud of her kids accomplishments and was their biggest cheerleader! She encouraged them to dream far beyond their own expectations, and then taught them to reach for those dreams!
  
Having alone time with Shawn was also very important to Kristin but also very hard to do with four kids under foot! It often meant taking advantage of short drives and a quick coffee or tea together. Kristin absolutely loved going out on a date ~just the two of them.
  
Kristin also loved her extended family and her friends, and would never just say ‘let’s get together’, instead she always made a point of choosing a date, a time and a location to meet up for a chat over a ‘TALL VANILLA CHAI TEA LATTE WITH TWO PUMPS MOCHA NO WHIP’!  She didn’t ever want to miss an opportunity to spend time with her family or friends, or even to make some new friends.  Kristin wrote on one of her scrapbook pages ‘Life is way too short to miss the awesome ordinary everyday stuff! She really did have a way of making that awesome ordinary every day stuff feel SO important! She celebrated everyday life!!
  
...to be continued!

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Eulogy



Eulogy ~Kristin Lorraine Erickson
Read by Kristin's best friend Nicky McCulloch

Our special redhead, Kristin Lorraine, was born on Feb 24th, 1972, to her very proud parents Jerry & Evelyn
Templeton. She was as cute as a button and perfect in every way! She was affectionately referred to as a 'Little Lamb' as she had the cutest little baaa when she laughed! She captured strangers' hearts with the twinkle in her eye and ALWAYS a smile on her face. A year and a half later, in 1973, she had to share her stage when she became the proud big sister to Kori & Keri. She was thrilled to have two little babies to love!

In her early years she loved camping and fishing, especially at the river! Kristin always looked forward to the next fishing trip with family & friends; whether it was Saturday at the river or a week or two at a lake somewhere in BC. Some of her proudest moments were showing all the boys (and men) in the group that she had once again caught the biggest fish!!! When she wasn't fishing, she had a book in her hand and you could find her in a quiet spot trying desperately to read without her pesky sisters interrupting her! School came easily to Kristin and she actually ENJOYED studying! In high school she travelled to Japan on an exchange program and she dreamed of going back again one day. Kristin had no interest in sports, so she surprised us all when she announced that she was the new manager of the Abby Senior boys' basketball team!!!!! 


Kristin had a great big personality and we were less surprised when she got involved in drama both at church and school. After her graduation in 1990, from Abby Senior, she followed her dream of becoming a teacher and enrolled in the University of the Fraser Valley ... and thus began her CAREER as a student! When people asked 'what are you studying?' her sisters were quick to reply for her... BOYS!!!
Little did she know that God had that special someone waiting for her and she no longer needed to study boys at the university! Her studies got serious and so did her relationship with Shawn. 
On November 5th, 1994, she became the loving wife to Shawn and was thrilled to be called 'Mrs. Erickson'. 

Shawn surprised Kristin with a romantic honeymoon in snowy Banff, and this would become the first of their many adventures traveling together. Home was a cute little house that Kristin and Shawn bought with Keri and Dave. It was a perfect starter home and a special bonding time for Kristin when her first niece Alanna arrived. She spent many hours loving on Alanna, but it was soon time to move on. After a brief time in a little apartment, Kristin and Shawn bought their first home together on Moss Court, in Abbotsford. Kristin continued to work as a waitress while going to school, and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree from SFU through the University of the Fraser Valley in June of 1997. Since Shawn also graduated at the same time, a month long celebration trip to Europe was planned where they visited family in Finland and England, while also traveling to Germany, Switzerland and Italy. 

Upon their return, Kristin filled an administrative position here at Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly, and she excitedly anticipated the birth of her first child. She spent the months leading up to the birth planning the fall fun fair for the church. She didn't want to miss it after all of the hard work she had put in, but her contractions started while working at the goldfish tank!! She NEVER wanted to leave a party early and stayed until the end! Her precious son, Kyle Bradley, made a grand entrance the next morning on November 2nd, 1998. It was love at first sight, and of course she was thrilled that he had her signature red hair! 

Three years later Kristin was over the moon when she called to announce that we would have a Christmas baby to cuddle! Once again, Kristin didn't want to miss a party and she almost had an unplanned home birth as she gathered with the Templeton family to celebrate Christmas! Kristin was thrilled to introduce her beautiful Christmas gift, Miranda Joy Noel, on December 23, 2001. Later on, Kristin decided that she was ready for school again and enrolled in counseling courses at Trinity Western University. While balancing married life, two small children, and her courses, she learned that her family was growing again.

A second precious son, Braden Templeton, was born on November 25, 2004. Kristin was a proud mommy and was thrilled to show off her crew! We all thought she was a little crazy when they packed up and moved to Chilliwack only two months later. Kristin made friends wherever she went and found a new love; the school PAC!!! She was VERY passionate about her kids and their education! 

In 2006, they packed up their three kids and moved back to Abbotsford, where Kristin once again found joy in being part of the school community. She eventually became the PAC president at Dunach Elementary, and if you would lend her your ear she would talk for hours about what she was most passionate about.

Nobody was surprised when Kristin announced that baby number 4, another winter baby to cuddle, was on his way! A little charmer, Connor Dean, was born on December 2nd, 2006.  Kristin's mothering style was extremely unique and she had no idea that God was using her to prepare her children for the journey ahead.

Kristin was only weeks away from completing her last full semester in the Library and Information Technology program at UFV, when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Since Kristin's circle of friends and family grew so large over the years, she blogged her cancer journey in an effort to keep everyone informed. She was 'good-overwhelmed' (as she often said) of the love and support flowing in, and she needed a way to let everyone know how things were going without leaving anyone out. It wasn't long before family, friends and strangers were captured by her authentic emotions; displaying her courage, faith, and hope, and always leaning on God in all circumstances. 

Kristin left us all too soon on February 9th, 2014, at 2:30 in the afternoon, with her loving husband, parents, sisters and brother-in-laws by her side. 
A few days before leaving us, she whispered her last words, 
'I love you.... I have Jesus in my heart'.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Obituary

ERICKSON, Kristin Lorraine
(Templeton)
Kristin Lorraine Erickson
passed peacefully
into the presence of her
Lord and Saviour on Sunday
February 9th after a courageous
battle with cancer.
Our special redhead Kristin
was born on Feb. 24th, 1972.
She was raised in Abbotsford
by her parents Jerry & Evelyn
Templeton and became
a proud big sister to Kori &
Keri in 1973.
Family and friends meant the
world to Kristin. In her early
years she loved camping and
fishing (especially at the river!),
reading and studying,
she traveled to Japan on an
exchange program, managed
the Abby Senior boys basketball
team and eventually
got involved in drama both
at school and church. After
graduation in 1990, she received
her Bachelor of Arts
degree at SFU through UFV and 
continued her studies in counselling 
at TWU. On November 5th,
1994, she became the loving
wife to Shawn Erickson.
Eventually they expanded
their family with her most
proud accomplishments,
her children: Kyle, Miranda,
Braden and Connor. 
She was
only weeks away from 
completing her last full semester
in the Library and Information
Technology program
at UFV, when she was diagnosed
with cancer.
Kristin blogged her journey
and it wasn’t long before
family, friends and strangers
were captured by her authentic
emotions; displaying her
courage, faith, and hope, and
always leaning on God for
strength. 
www.canadiankristinconnected.
blogspot.ca
Kristin will be greatly missed
by her husband Shawn, her children Kyle, 
Miranda, Braden and Connor.
Parents Jerry & Evelyn Templeton, 
sisters Kori Unrau (Roger), 
Keri Jones (David), In-laws 
Carl & Wiffy Erickson,
Brother-In-Law Ryan
Erickson (Meg), Nieces &
Nephews Karli and Blake Unrau
and Alanna, Vanessa and
Curtis Jones. She will also
be missed by her Grandma
Mary Martens and many beloved
Aunts, Uncles, Cousins
and friends.
Funeral Service 2:00 pm, 
February 14, 2014 at
Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly.
In lieu of flowers, please
make a donation to the CLCC
Benevolence fund at Kristin’s request. 
(Christian Life
Community Church: 35131
Straiton Road, Abbotsford
BC, V2S 7Z1)
Thank you to the 1000+ people that joined us to Celebrate Kristin! 
Also, we would like to say an extra special Thank You to the many people that helped us with the all the important little details of the day.  We couldn't have done it without out!
We truly appreciate each and every one of you and want to thank you all for your continued love, support, and encouragement as we navigate life without Kristin.
For those of you that could not be with us, we will post pictures, the slideshow and other details here over the next few days.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Kristin Erickson Memorial Fund


Kristin's amazing friends have set up a Memorial Fund to take care of Kristin's Kids.

If you've been thinking you would like to do something for the family and don't know what...

please consider donating:



Kristin Erickson Memorial Fund | Memorial/Funeral - YouCaring.com



Funds can also be mailed:

pay to Kristin Erickson Memorial Fund

c/o Dwayne Stewart

1-30435 Progressive Way

Abbotsford BC

V2T 6Z1

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Funeral

Please join our family as we
Celebrate Kristin's life 
on February 14, 2014 at 2:00pm
Light tea to follow
At Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly 
3145 Gladwin Rd
Abbotsford BC

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the CLCC or APA Benevolence fund at Kristin's request. Our family has been extremely blessed and supported by these church families and we would love for them to continue to bless others in difficult situations. 

Cheques payable to:
Christian Life Community Church
35131 Straiton Road
Abbotsford BC V2S 7Z1

Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly 
3145 Gladwin Rd
Abbotsford BC

Monday, February 10, 2014

Then Sings My Soul


We feel incredibly blessed for the Support, Love and Prayers pouring in as we share this heartbreaking news.

Kristin slipped peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior yesterday, Sunday February 9th at 2:30pm.

Your love, prayers and encouragement gave Kristin the strength and courage to face each day of this journey. We feel that Kristin was able to reach out to Jesus because she knew her family would continue to be taken care of.

Please continue to pray for Kristin's husband Shawn and their 4 beautiful children.

Shawn has requested no visits at this time but please feel free to continue sharing and posting on this blog.

Knowing what I know about Heaven...
I bet the trumpets played,
And the angels sang every sweet refrain of Amazing Grace.
And that heaven’s hands opened up the gate,
And the children danced when they saw your face.
As happy as they were to see you coming,
I was just as sad to have to watch you go.

Knowing what I know about heaven,
Believing that you’re all the way home.
Knowing that you’re somewhere better,
Is all I need to let you go.
I could hope that I could pray you back,
But why on earth would I do that.
When you’re somewhere life and love never ends,
Knowing what I know about heaven.

Where every single voice makes a joyful noise,
How sweet the sound when the saints rejoice.
To every broken heart and every wounded soul,
New life begins on streets of gold.
Where every tear is raining here from my eyes,
I know the sun is shining where you are.
(Lyrics by Sarah Darling)

Funeral details will be posted here as soon as they become available. 

Sunday, February 9, 2014

A Year Ago Today

A year ago today we surrounded Kristin's hospital bed in the ER where doctors told her she had a blood clot in her jugular. The doctors said that people don't survive this, and gave us very little hope. Kristin was very sick and very weak and she said to the doctor "My God is bigger than this" to which the doctor replied "Yes He is". Our family (as well as friends, church family & blog readers!!) surrounded her with love and prayer and she walked out of the hospital 11 days later!
We've had a year of peaks and valleys, made tons of memories together, laughed & loved.
Today we surround her bed and ask for another miracle! Our God is bigger than this!!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
2 Corinthians 4:7-9

(Attached picture is from one of Kristin's scrapbook pages)

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Breathing in His Grace


I AM ABOVE ALL THINGS: your problems, your pain, and the swirling events in this everchanging world. When you behold My Face, you rise above circumstances and rest with Me in heavenly realms. This is the way of Peace, living in the light of My Presence. 
I guarantee that you will always have problems in this life, but they must not become your focus. 
When you feel yourself sinking in the sea of circumstances, say "Help me, Jesus!" and I will draw you back to Me. If you have to say that thousands of times daily, don't be discouraged. I know your weakness, and I meet you in that very place. 

~ Jesus Calling, Feb 8

Kristin has spent the last few days sleeping comfortably. She is no longer able to communicate with us but we have taken many moments to tell her how much we love her. On Thursday we played the song 'Never Once' by Matt Redmond. The Lyrics say "Never once have we ever walked alone, Never once did you leave us on our own" ... Kristin stirred for a moment as if she was saying to us 'Yes, Thank you Jesus for walking with me and walking with my family'.
We continue to put our focus on Jesus. He promised He wouldn't leave us or foresake us, and He hasn't. Through our tears we say Help us Jesus, through the many blessings we have experienced on this journey we say  Thank you Jesus!

Please continue to lift Kristin up in your prayers and ask for complete healing. As said best by her littlest, 
"Jesus don't let mommy die, 
if you can't do these things we Trust you Jesus, 
we know that you love us. 
Amen."

Please also continue to pray for the family, especially Shawn and the kids. 

Kristin would say, stop and take a minute to listen to this song. Housecleaning and tv watching can wait...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722zPX1npcA&sns=em


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Jesus In My Heart


With the help of medication and your many prayers, Kristin is resting comfortably. The nurses and doctors have been amazing with Kristin, and they are trying their best to keep her as comfortable as possible. They have been amazingly supportive to each of us.

Her awake time and communication is very minimal so again we ask that there be no visitors. 

 Yesterday Shawn, her Parents and sisters were able to gather around her bedside while she prayed for them, her family and her friends, naming them one by one. At the end of her prayer she reminded us that she has Jesus in Her Heart. A tearful moment but one that brings great Peace. Her body and voice are weak but her heart bursts with her Love for The Lord and her Family.

Thank you for continuing to leave encouraging memories and messages. We enjoy reading them and sharing some of them with Kristin in the quiet of her room. 

Monday, February 3, 2014

Reminder:


Out of respect for Kristin and the great love she has for her family we are requesting NO visitors
She is reserving all of her energy for Shawn and the kids.

Please continue to leave your loving comments for her and her family on this blog. We are so grateful for all the Prayers, Love & Support!

Sunday, February 2, 2014

His Strength is Perfect

On Saturday February 1st Kristin gathered her children around her with her husband by her side to share with them the words she didn't want to share... She wouldn't be going home.

It was a devestating moment but in true Kristin fashion, after 4 weeks of pain and limited communication she mustered the energy and strength to Mother her kids with love the way she has done for 15 years. She told the kids that over the next day or two, or if she goes to heaven to be with Jesus, that they should feel free to express themselves as they feel they need to...yell, stomp, cry, etc. but when done, through memories, family and God's love they need to find JOY,  LOVE and PEACE.  Trust and love each other...family is so important. 

Grandma and Grandpa joined them around this time to offer love and support. Everyone calmed down and Kristin reminded the kids that We are Family- Your Grandmas & Grandpas, your Aunties & Uncles and your Cousins will always be there for you. Mommy doesn't want to share this with you but she has to tell you this so you can be strong! 

Eventually Kristin asked the nurse for help, she wanted the kids to be able to be closer to her. The nurse brought in a cot tight to her bed so the kids could climb up on it to hug or snuggle. 
Each of her children climbed on the bed with her, hugged and kissed her while exchanging words of how much they loved each other.  Her most important point was that they remain strong in The Lord, Trust in Jesus and NEVER lose their faith!

She prayed the most beautiful and encouraging prayer over each of her kids seperatley and then collectively. Shawn agreed thanking Jesus along the way.

As the day went on we all were able to share special moments with Kris. Mom and Dad had time alone with her in the morning. Later in the day Mom prayed over Kristin, Keri and Kori. This was a special moment that we will cherish always. Shawn's parents, brother & sister-in-law also shared some time together and Kristin prayed the most beautiful prayer over them as well.
Kristin shared some special thoughts with her brother-in-laws Dave & Roger. Once again Kristin managed to help each of us through yet another difficult day in a way only she could. 

Our family has found God's "strength for all things".  One of the verses Kristin has often quoted is Phil 4:13...I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. 

It was a difficult day filled with many tears but our Faith remains. We have Peace and we have Hope for tomorrow. 

"...weeping may endure for a night, but JOY cometh in the morning." ~ Psalm 30:5
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:38

Thank you for your continued prayers of healing for our dear Kristin.